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UNIVERSITY  of 
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•T^rary 


HELPS 


FOR  EYERY  HOUR 


M  VIS3  3    BT   THB    COMMITTEE    OF   PUBLICATION    OF   TH» 
JLMBRICAN    SUNDAY-SCHOOL   UNION. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
AMERICAN  SUNDAY-SCHOOL  tJNION, 

No.  1122  CHEBTNtrr  Stbiet, 


Entered  according  \o  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1845,  by 
the  American  Sunday-school  Union,  in  the  clerk's  office  of  the 
district  Court  of  the  E  *tern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


CONTENTS 


WAKING     .       . 

Page 

.     5 

EATING      .       . 

Page 

22 

RISING         .       .       . 

.     6 

DRINKING 

.     .  22 

PRAYING    .       . 

.     .     6 

HOPING      .       .       < 

.  23 

WALKING  .       . 

.     7 

FEARING  .       . 

.  24 

WORKING  .       .       , 

.     8 

DOUBTING 

.  24 

RESTING    .       . 

.    8 

TRUSTING 

.  25 

READING    .       . 

.     9 

ENDURING 

.     .  25 

THINKING 

.  10 

ENJOYING 

.     .  26 

TRAVELLING  . 

.  10 

LEARNING 

.     .  27 

BUYING      .     *.       , 

.  11 

TEACHING 

.     .  27 

SELLING     .       . 

.  12 

REPROVING      . 

28 

BORROWING    . 

.     .  12 

PRAISING  .       . 

.     .  29 

LENDING  .       . 

•  13 

SORROWING     . 

.     .  29 

WINNING  .       . 

.     .  14 

REJOICING 

.     .  30 

LOSING        .       . 

.  14 

COMMANDING  . 

.     .  30 

SEEKING 

.  15 

OBEYING   .       . 

.     .  31 

FINDING    .       . 

.  16 

POSSESSING      . 

.  31 

MEETING  .       . 

.  16 

RESIGNING       . 

.  32 

PARTING    . 

.  17 

KNOWING 

.  33 

HEARING    .       . 

.     .  18 

WATCHING      . 

.  33 

TALKING    .       . 

.     .  18 

WAITING  .       .•    . 

.  34 

SAVING        .       . 

.     .  19 

SINNING     .       . 

.  34 

SPENDING 

,     .  20 

REPENTING     . 

.     .  35 

GIVING 

,     .  20 

LIVING        .       . 

.  35 

RECEIVING       . 

.     .  21 

DYING         .       . 

.  36 

Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill 


http://www.archive.org/details/helpsforeveryhouOOamer 


^,E*S.!J1°F  N:C-  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


00022245456 


HELPS- 
FOR  EVERY  HOUR. 


WAKING. 

Again  I  wake  refreshed !  The  morning  light 
Breaks  through  the  darkness,  pleasant  to  my  sight. 
Almighty  God!  what  shall  I  give  to  thee 
For  all  thy  goodness  and  thy  gifts  to  me? 

We  owe  God  more  when  we  awake  than  we  owed  him 
vrhen  we  slept.  To  sleep  is  a  great  mercy,  but  to  awake  is 
a  greater.     Let  our  souls  be  awake  as  well  as  our  bodies. 


I  laid  me  down  and  slept :  I  awaked ;  for  the 
Lord  sustained  me.     Ps.  iii.  5. 

Awake  to  righteousness,  and  sin  not ;  for  some 
have  not  the  knowledge  of  God.     1  Cor.  xv.  34. 

Awake  thou  that  sleepest,  and  arise  from  the 
dead,  and  Christ  shall  give  thee  light.  Eph.  v.  14. 

It  is  high  time  to  awake  out  of  sleep  ;  for  now 
;s  our  salvation  nearer  than  when  we  believed. 
Rom.  xiii.  11. 


HELPS   FOB    EVERT    HOUR. 


RISING. 


While  from  mj  bed  with  grateful  heart  I  rise, 
Guide  thou,  this  daj ,  great  Ruler  of  the  skies, 
My  thoughts,  my  words  and  deeds  through  every  hour, 
And  in  my  weakness  manifest  thy  power. 

Better  keep  thy  bed  in  sickness,  than  rise  in  health  to  do 
evil.  If  God  has  refreshed  thee  in  slumber,  glorify  him  in 
thy  waking  hours.  Let  thy  rising  from  sleep  remind  thee 
of  the  rising  of  Christ  from  the  grave,  and  of  a  risen  Friend 
and  Advocate  above. 


Rise  and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into  temptation. 
Luke  xxii.  46. 

I  spake  unto  you,  rising  up  early  and  speaking, 
but  ye  heard  not ;  and  I  called  you,  but  ye  an- 
swered not.     Jer.  vii.  13. 

Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become 
the  first  fruits  of  them  that  slept.      1  Cor.  xv.  20. 

If  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek  those  things 
which  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right 
hand  of  God.  Set  your  affections  on  things  above, 
lot  on  things  on  the  earth.     Col.  in.  1,  2. 


PRAYING. 


While  angels  veil  their  faces  with  their  wings, 
Before  the  Lord  of  lords,  and  King  of  kings, 
Can  I  approach  him  with  my  wants  and  care  ? 
Oh,  what  a  precious  privilege  is  prayer  ! 

In  prayer  we  ask  God  to  do  for  us  that  which  we  cannot* 
do  for  ourselves. 


What  nation  is  there  so  great,  who  hath  God 

- 


HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR.  7 

nigh  unto  them,  as  the  Lord  our  God  is  in  all 
things  that  we  call  upon  him  for  ?  Deut.  iv.  7. 

If  thou  shalt  seek  the  Lord  thy  God,  thou  shalt 
find  him  ;  if  thou  seek  him  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul.     Deut.  iv.  29. 

When  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  closet,  and 
when  thou  hast  shut  thy  do^r,  pray  to  thy  Father 
which  is  in  secret ;  and  thy  Father  which  seeth  in 
secret  shall  reward  thee  openly.     Matt.  vi.  6. 

O  thou  that  hearest  prayer,  unto  thee  shall  all 
flesh  come.     Ps.  Ixv.  2. 


WALKING. 

While  roaming  joyfully,  in  shine  or  shade, 
I  tread  this  beauteous  earth  that  thou  hast  made, 
Lord,  let  me  walk  in  wisdom's  pleasant  ways, 
And  live  in  love,  in  thankfulness,  and  praise. 

Who  walks  with  God  walks  wisely  and  securely.  Though 
in  a  furnace  of  fire,  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abednego 
were  unhurt,  for  he  who  walked  with  them  had  a  form  like 
the  Son  of  God. 


If  ye  will  walk  after  other  gods,  ye  shall  perish. 
Deut.  viii.  19. 

I  will  walk  before  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the 
jiving.     Ps.  cxvi.  9. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel 
of  the  ungodly,  nor  standeth  in  the  way  of  sinners, 
nor  sitteth  in  the  seat  of  the  scornful.  But  his 
delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  in  his  law 
doth  he  meditate  day  and  night.     Ps.  i.  1,  2. 


©  HELPS    FOR    EVERY    HOUR. 

WORKING. 

In  all  our  works  how  little  is  our  care, 
To  honour  him  whose  workmanship  we  are  : 
Be  this  my  joy,  to  love  him  more,  and  still 
Perform  his  work,  and  do  his  holy  will. 

Is  the  labourer  worthy  of  his  hire  ?  Then  he  that  doeth 
wickedness  will  have  the  recompense  of  wickedness,  while 
he  that  worketh  righteousness  shall  have  a  righteous  reward. 


The  night  cometh  when  no  man  can  work 
John  ix.  4. 

Comfort  your  hearts,  and  stablish  you  in  every 
good  word  and  work.     2  Thess.  ii.  17. 

Work  out  your  own  salvation  with  fear  and 
trembling.  For  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you, 
both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure. 
Phil,  ii*  12,  13. 

Lord,  who  shall  abide  in  thy  tabernacle,  who 
shall  dwell  in  thy  holy  hill  ?  He  that  walketh  up- 
rightly, and  worketh  righteousness,  and  speaketh 
the  truth  in  his  heart.     Ps.  xv.1,2. 


RESTING. 


If  earthly  rest  be  sweet,  how  doubfy  blest 
To  enter  and  enjoy  a  heavenly  rest, 
Where  peace  and  joy  are  interrupted  never, 
And  love  and  holiness  abide  for  ever  ! 

To  the  storm-tost  mariner — to  the  tcil-worn  traveller— 
to  the  weary  body  and  the  troubled  spirit,  oh  what  a  blessing 
is  rest ! 

Six  days  shalt  thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy  work, 
but  the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy 


HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR.  9 

God :  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  not 
thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor 
thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  the  stranger 
within  thy  gates.     Exod.  xx.  10. 

The  wicked  are  like  the  troubled  sea,  when  it 
cannot  rest,  who«e  waters  cast  up  mire  and  dirt. 
There  is  no  peuce,  saith  my  God,  to  the  wicked. 
Is.  lvii.  20,  21. 

There  remaineth  therefore  a  rest  to  the  people 
of  God.  Let  us  labour  therefore  to  enter  into  that 
rest.     Heb.  iv.9,  11. 

Return  unto  thy  rest,  O  my  soul ;  for  the  Lord 
hath  dealt  bountifully  with  thee.     Ps.  cxvi.  7. 


READING. 


Whate'er,  O  Lord,  of  value  may  be  found 
Where  volumes  rare  and  learned  books  abound, 
Thy  word,  a  treasure-house  of  pearls  and  gold, 
Outweighs  them  all  a  thousand  thousand-fold. 

Happy  is  he  who  desires  to  read,  loves  V?  search,  and 
delights  to  obey  the  Scriptures. 

Search  the  Scriptures :  for  in  them  ye  think  ye 
have  eternal  life;  and  they  are  they  which  testify 
of  me      John  v.  39. 

Blessed  is  he  that  readeth,  and  they  that  hear 
the  words  of  this  prophecy  and  keep  those  things 
which  are  written  therein.     Rev.  i.  3. 

Understandest  thou  what  thou  readest  1  Acts 
viii.  30. 

Did  ye  never  read  in  the  Scriptures,  The  stone 
which  the  builders  rejected,  the  same  is  become 
the  head  of  the  corner  ?  this  is  the  Lord's  doing 
and  n  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes.     Matt.  xxi.  42 


10  HELPS    FOR    EVERT    HOUR. 


THINKING. 

Much  more  we  think  of  earthly  joy  and  care, 
Of  passing  scenes  and  trifles  light  as  air, 
Than  of  his  grace  who  formed  this  earthly  ball, 
The  great,  the  good,  the  mighty  Lord  of  all ! 

Guard  well  thy  thoughts,  that  thy  words  may  be  wise 
*nd  thine  actions  upright. 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  meditation 
of  my  heart,  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord, 
my  strength,  and  my  redeemer.     Ps.  xix.  14. 

I  am  poor  and  needy ;  yet  the  Lord  thinketh 
upon  me:  thou  art  my  help  and  my  deliverer; 
make  no  tarrying,  O  my  God.     Ps.  xl.  17. 

Let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take  heed 
lest  he  fall.     1  Cor.  x.  12. 

What  think  ye  of  Christ  ?     Matt.  xxii.  42. 

In  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of  man 
cometh.     Matt.  xxiv.  44. 


TRAVELLING. 

Be  thou,  my  God,  where'er  my  feet  may  roam, 
My  Friend  and  Father,  and  thy  heaven  my  home; 
Where'er  I  ride,  or  sail,  or  walk,  or  be, 
Lord,  let  me  always  journey  on  to  thee. 

Life  is  a  journey,  and  solemn  is  the  thought  that  every 
day  we  are  a  stage  nearer  to  heaven  or  to  hell. 

Yet  a  little  sleep,  a  little  slumber,  a  little  folding 
of  the  hands  to  sleep:  so  shall  thy  poverty  come 
as  one  that  travelleth,  and  thy  want  as  an  armed 
man.     Prov.  vi.  10,  11. 

The  stranger  did  not  lodge  in  the  street;  but  I 
opened  my  doors  to  the  traveller.     Job  xxxi.  32 


HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR.  11 

Who  is  this  that  cometh  from  Edora,  with  dyed 
garments  from  Bozrah?  this  that  is  glorious  in 
his  apparel,  travelling  in  the  greatness  of  his 
strength  1  I  that  speak  in  righteousness,  mighty 
to  save.  Is  lxiii.  1. 


BUYING 

Though  wealth  may  buy ;  though  money  can  command 
Estates  and  furniture,  and  house  and  land, 
Whate'er  I  purchase,  this  be  still  my  cry, 
Lord,  give  me  that  which  money  cannot  buy  ! 

Money  can  buy  much  for  the  body  and  time ;  but  it  can 
purchase  nothing  for  the  soul  and  eternity. 

It  is  nought,  it  is  nought,  saith  the  buyer ;  but 
when  he  is  gone  his  way,  then  he  boasteth.  Prov, 
xx.  14. 

Buy  the  truth,  and  sell  it  not,  also  wisdom,  and 
instruction,  and  understanding.     Prov.  xxiii.  23. 

Ho,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the 
waters,  and  he  that  hath  no  money  ;  come  ye,  buy 
and  eat ;  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without 
money  and  without  price.     Is.  lv.  1. 

I  counsel  thee  to  buy  of  me  gold  tried  in  the 
fire,  that  thou  mayest  be  rich  ;  and  white  raiment, 
that  thou  mayest  be  clothed.     Rev.  iii.  18. 


19  HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR 


SELLING. 

Among  mankind,  let  this  my  maxim  be, 
To  do,  as  I  would  they  should  do  to  me  '• 
Let  me  not  sin,  to  gain  a  hundred  fold, 
Let  me  not  sell  myself  for  glittering  gold 

Though  the  wealth  of  the  world  be  offered  thee  as  the 
purchase-money,  sell  not  thyself  unto  sin. 

Go  to  now,  ye  that  say,  To-day  or  to-morrow  we 
will  go  into  such  a  city,  and  continue  there  a  year, 
and  buy  and  sell,  and  get  gain.  Whereas  ye 
know  not  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow.  For  what 
is  your  life  ?  It  is  even  a  vapour,  that  appeareth 
for  a  little  time,  and  then  vanisheth  away.  Jas. 
iv.  13,  14. 

If  thou  wilt  be  perfect,  go  and  sell  that  thou 
hast,  and  give  to  the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have 
treasure  in  heaven  :  and  come  and  follow  me. 
Matt.  xix.  21. 

The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  treasure  hid 
in  a  field  ;  the  which  when  a  man  hath  found,  he 
hidetn,  and  for  joy  thereof  goeth  and  selleth  all  that 
ne  hath,  and  buyeth  that  field.     Matt.  xiii.  44. 


BORROWING. 

The  borrower's  rugged  path  is  mud  and  mire, 
And  thickly  set  with  pointed  thorn  and  brier ; 
The  less  thou  borrowest,  the  less  of  pain 
Thou  hast  to  bear — the  less  *o  pay  again. 

He  who  is  at  ease  and  desires  to  be  in  trouble,  or  he  who 
has  a  little  distress  and  will  make  it  more,  let  him  borrow. 

And  the  same  servant  went  out,  and  found  one 
of  his  fellow-servants,  which  owed  him  an  hundred 


HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR.  13 

pence  :  and  he  laid  hands  on  him,  and  took  him  by 
the  throat,  saying,  Pay  me  that  thou  owest.  Matt, 
xviii.28. 

The  rich  ruleth  over  the  poor,  and  the  borrower 
is  servant  to  the  lender.     Prov.  xxii.  7. 


LENDING. 


If  God  has  given  thee  gold,  and  house  and  land, 
Lend  to  thy  neighbour  with  a  liberal  hand, 
If  he  be  poor,  and  honest,  and  distrest; 
Then  thou  in  blessing  doubly  shalt  be  blest. 

Whoso  lends  with  kindness  and  discretion,  does  good  and 
gets  good  :.  he  relieves  another's  heart,  and  adds  to  his  own 
happiness. 

Thou  shalt  not  harden  thine  heart,  nor  shut 
thine  hand  from  thy  poor  brother :  but  thou  shalt 
open  thine  hand  wide  unto  him,  and  shalt  surely 
lend  him  sufficient  for  his  need.     Dent.  xv.  7,  8. 

A  good  man  showeth  favour  and  lendeth :  he 
will  guide  bis  affairs  with  discretion.  Ps.  cxii.  5. 

If  ye  lend  to  them  of  whom  ye  hope  to  receive, 
what  thank  have  ye  ?  for  sinners  also  lend  to 
sinners  to  receive  so  much  again.  But  love  ye 
your  enemies,  and  do  good,  and  lend,  hoping  for 
nothing  again  ;  and  your  reward  shall  be  great. 
Luke  vi.  34,  35. 

Give  to  him  that  asketh  thee,  and  from  him  that 
would  borrow  of  thee  turn  not  thou  away.  Matt 
v.  42. 


li  HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR. 


WINNING. 

Whate'er  in  worldly  ways  the  path  I  choose  , 
Whate'er  of  health  and  wealth  I  win  or  lose  ; 
Oh  grant  me,  Lord,  the  pardon  of  my  sin, 
And  give  me  grace  eternal  life  to  win. 

Some  have  been  ruined  by  success.  Examine  then  the 
prize  thou  desirest  to  obtain,  for  if  it  be  more  likely  to  do 
thee  evil  than  good,  thou  hadst  better  be  a  loser  than  a 
winner. 

The  fruit  of  the  righteous  is  a  tree  of  life  ;  and 
he  that  winneth  souls  is  wise.     Prov.  xi.  30. 

Yea  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus 
my  Lord  :  for  whom  I  have  suffered  the  loss  of  all 
things,  and  do  count  them  but  dung,  that  I  may 
win  Christ, and  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine 
own  righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that 
which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteous- 
ness  which  is  of  God  by  faith.     Phil.  iii.  8,  9. 


LOSING. 


If  Christ  be  mine,  a  gainer  I  shall  be, 
Though  toss'd  and  wreck'd  on  life's  tempestuous  sea; 
Let  the  winds  blow,  and  angry  waters  roll, 
Whate'er  my  loss,  let  me  not  lose  my  soul  . 

Fear  not  though  thou  losest  all  things  in  the  earth ;  but 
have  a  care  that  thou  losest  not  heaven ! 

There  is  a  time  to  get,  and  a  time  to  lose. 
Eccles.  iii.  6. 

The  son  of  man  is  come  to  save  that  which  was 
lost.     Matt,  xviii.  11. 


HELPS    FOR    EVERY    HOUR.  15 

What  is  a  man  profited,  if  he  shall  gain  the 
whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul  ?  or  what 
shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his  soul?  Matt 
xvi.  26.  ' 

Whosoever  shall  seek  to  save  his  life  shall  lose 
it,  and  whosoever  shall  lose  his  life  shall  preserve 
it.  Luke  xvii.  33. 

And  this  is  the  Father's  will  which  hath  sen* 
me,  that  of  all  which  he  has  given  me  I  shoulo. 
lose  nothing,  but  should  raise  it  up  again  at  the 
last  day.     John  vi.  39. 


SEEKING. 


Whate'er  thejoyL  to  which  thou  art  inclined, 
Seek  earthly  objects  with  a  moderate  mind; 
But,  while  thy  months  and  moments  fleetly  roll, 
Thy  Saviour  seek  with  all  thy  heart  and  soul. 

Is  it  prudent  to  prefer  pebbles  to  pearls*?  Is  it  wise  to 
seek  the  things  of  time,  and  to  leave  unsought  those  of 
eternity? 

If  thou  shalt  seek  the  Lord  thy  God  thou  shalt 
find  him ;  if  thou  seek  him  with  all  thy  heart 
and  with  all  thy  soul.     Deut.  iv.  29. 

Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his 
righteousness,  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added 
unto  you.  Take,  therefore,  no  thought  for  the 
morrow  ;  for  the  morrow  shall  take  thought  for  the 
things  of  itself.  Sufficient  unto  the  day  is  the  evil 
thereof.     Matt.  vi.  33,  34. 

Here  we  have  no  continuing  city,  but  we  seek 
one  to  come.     Heb.  xiii.  14. 


16  HELPS    FOR   EVERY    HOUR. 


FINDING. 

Who  finds  a  treasure  in  the  tYiingg  of  earth, 
Finds  that  which  often  is  of  little  worth, 
But  he  to  whom  a  Saviour's  love  is  given, 
Finds  life  eternal,  happiness  and  heaven. 

Finding  favour  in  this  world  will  be  a  loss,  if  thereby  we 
ose  our  interest  in  the  world  that  is  to  come. 

Most  men  will  proclaim  every  one  his  own 
goodness  :  but  a  faithful  man  who  can  find  ?  Prov. 
xx.  6. 

Canst  thou  by  searching  find  out  God?  Canst 
thou  find  out  the  Almighty  to  perfection  ?  Job  xi.  7 

Enter  ye  in  at  the  strait  gate  :  for  wide  is  th& 
gate,  and  broad  is  the  way,  that  leadeth  to  destruc- 
tion, and  many  there  be  which  go  in  thereat :  be- 
cause strait  is  the  gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way, 
which  leadeth  unto  life,  and  few  there  be  that  find 
it.     Matt.  vh.  13,  14. 

Happy  is  the  man  that  findeth  wisdom,  and  th© 
man  that  getteth  understanding.  Prov,  iii.  13. 


MEETING. 


How  sweet  on  earth  to  meet  with  those  we  love 
After  long  absence,  and  affection  prove  ! 
How  doubly  sweet,  though  death  awhile  may  sever, 
To  meet  in  heaven,  and  part  no  more  for  ever ! 

God  only  can  enable  us  to  meet  prosperity  humbly,  ad- 
versity paiiently,  and  death  with  resignation  and  joy. 

Let  a  bear  robbed  of  her  whelps  meet  a  man, 
rather  than  a  fooi  in  hi*  folly.     Prov.  xvii.  12. 


HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR.  I? 

The  rich  and  poor  meet  together :  the  Lord  i§ 
:ne  maker  of  them  all.     Prov.  xxii.  2. 

Prepare  to  meet  thy  God.    Amos  iv.  12. 

For  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend  from  heaven 
with  a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and 
with  the  trump  of  God :  and  the  dead  in  Christ 
shall  rise  first.  Then  we  which  are  alive  and  re- 
main shall  be  caught  up  together  with  them  in  the 
clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air :  and  so  shall 
we  ever  he  with  the  Lord.     1  Thess.  iv.  16,  17. 


PARTING. 


Take  courage.  Christian  !  cast  away  thy  fears 
In  this  vain  world  of  parting,  grief  and  tears, 
And  look  above,  to  heaven's  eternal  throne, 
Where  tears,  and  grief,  and  parting  are  unknown. 

We  may  part  with  our  possessions,  and  again  regain  them. 
We  may  part  with  our  friends  on  earth,  and  meet  them 
again  in  heaven  ;  but  if  we  once  part  with  the  favour  of  God, 
we  are  lost  for  ever. 

And  Ruth  said,  Entreat  me  not  to  leave-  thee, 
or  to  return  from  following  after  thee :  for 
whither  thou  goest,  I  will  go  ;  and  where  thou 
lodgest,  I  will  lodge  :  th  j  people  shall  be  my  peo- 
ple, and  thy  God  my  >od  :  where  thou  dj>st, 
will  I  die,  and  there  will  I  be  buried :  the  Lord 
do  so  to  me,  and  more  also,  if  aught  but  death  part 
thee  and  me.     Ruth  i.  lb",  17. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  while  he  blessed  them,  he 
was  parted  from  them,  and  carried  up  into  heaven. 
And  they  worshipped  him,  and  returned  to  Jeru- 
salem with  great  joy.     Luke  xxiv.  51,  52. 
2* 


18  HELPS   FOR   KVi-UY   HOUR. 


HEARING. 

When  listening  silently  in  thoughtful  mood, 
How  much  wc  hear  !  how  little  that  is  good  ! 
Wisdom  in  what  is  said  some  part  may  bear, 
But  folly  often  has  the  larger  share.  : 

If  what  thou  hearest  be  good,  let  it  not  escape  thee  :  bm 
if  it  be  evil,  then  be  thou  deaf  as  an  adder. 

Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me  :  hear,  and 
your  soul  shall  live  ;  and  I  will  make  an  everlast- 
ing covenant  with  you,  even  the  sure  mercies  of 
David.  For  as  the  rain  cometh  down,  and  the 
snow  from  heaven,  and  returneth  not  thither,  but 
watereth  the  earth,  and  maketh  it  bring  forth  and 
bud,  that  it  may  give  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread 
to  the  eater :  so  shall  my  word  be  that  goeth  forth 
out  of  my  mouth  :  it  shall  not  return  unto  me  void, 
but  it  shall  accomplish  that  which  I  please,  and  it 
shall  prosper  in  the  thing  whereto  I  sent  it.  ha, 
lv.  3,  10,11. 


TALKING. 

As  food,  or  good  or  bad,  affects  our  health, 
E'en  so  our  words  are  poverty  or  wealth  ; 
Good  words  a  healthy  virtue  will  impart, 
While  bad  words  prove  but  poison  to  the  heart. 

Put  this  question  to  thyself:  In  the  course  of  a  day  how 
many  wise  words  do  I  speak,  and  how  many  foolish  ? 

There  are  many  unruly  and  vain  talkers  and 
deceivers.      Titus  i.  10. 

And  it  came  to  pass  as  Moses  entered  into  the 
tabernacle,  the  cloudy  pillar  descended,  and  stood 


HELPS  FOR  KVERF  HOUR.  1» 

at  the  door  of  the  tabernacle,  and  the  Lord  talked 
with  Moses.     Exod.  xxxiii.  9. 

My  son,  keep  thy  father's  commandment,  and 
forsake  not  the  law  of  thy  mother.  When  thou 
goest,  it  shall  lead  thee;  when  thou  sleepest,  it 
shall  keep  thee;  and  when  thouawakest,  it  shall - 
talk  with  thee.     Prov.  vi.  20,  22. 

Ail  thy  works  shall  praise  thee,  O  Lord  ;  and 
thy  saints  shall  bless  thee.  They  shall  speak  of 
the  glory  of  thy  kingdom,  and  talk  of  thy  power. 
Ps.  exlv.  10»  11. 


SAVING. 


Whate'er  thou  savest  in  thy  day  of  health, 
Of  this  world's  good,  its  wisdom  and  its  wealth. 
Fail  not  to  save  with  care  thy  heart  and  breath 
For  Him  who  saved  thee  from  eternal  death. 

Lay  up,  if  thou  canst,  among  thy  savings,  hope  for  thy 
youth,  faith  for  thine  age,  and  peace  for  thy  latter  end. 

Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 
1  Tim.  i.  15. 

I,  even  I,  am  the  Lord  :  and  beside  me  there  is 
no  Saviour,     ha.  xliii.  11. 

Return,  O  Lord,  deliver  my  soul :  oh  save  me 
for  thy  mercies'  sake.     Ps.  vi.  4. 

Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from 
falling,  and  to  present  you  faultless  before  the  pre- 
sence of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy,  to  the  only 
wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty, 
dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever.  Amen 
Jude24,  25. 


20  HELP«    FOR   EVERY    HOUft. 


SPENDING. 

Spend  wisely,  soshalt  thou  be  free  from  straits, 
And  feed  the  hungry  poor  within  thy  gates  ; 
But  let  thy  spending  for  the  Lord  be  free  ; — 
Remember  how  he  spent  his  life  for  thee  ! 

Pause  when  pleasure  asks  thee  for  thy  purse  ;  but  when 
thou  canst  do  good,  better  will  it  be  to  spend  than  to  spare. 

We  spend  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is  told.  The 
days  of  our  years  are  threescore  years  and  ten ;  and 
if  by  reason  of  strength  they  be  fourscore  years, 
yet  is  their  strength  labour  and  sorrow ;  for  it  is 
soon  cut  off,  and  we  flee  away.  Ps.  xc.  9,  10. 

Wherefore  do  ye  spend  money  for  that  which  is 
not  bread  ?  and  your  labour  for  that  which  satis- 
fieth  not  ?  Hearken  diligently  unto  me,  and  eat  ye 
that  which  is  good,  and  let  your  soul  delight  itself 
in  fatness.    Isa.  lv.  2. 

The  night  is  far  spent,  the  day  is  at  hand :  let 
us  therefore  cast  off  the  works  of  darkness,  and 
let  us  put  on  the  armour  of  light.     Rom.  xiii.  12. 


GIVING. 


Thy  mercies,  Lord,  around  me  freely  shed, 
Outnumber  far  the  hairs  upon  my  head  ; 
Shame  on  me,  then,  should  I  a  niggard  be, 
And  grudge,  when  thou  hast  given  so  much  tome. 

If  thou  wouldst  prize  the  gift  of  a  king,  how  highly 
shouldest  thou  value  the  gifts  bestowed  on  thee  by  the  King 
of  kings. 

Whosoever  shall  give  to  drink  unto  one  of  these 
tittle  ones  a  cup  of  cold  water  only  in  the  name  oi 


HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR.  21 

a  disciple,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  He  shall  in  no 
wise  lose  his  reward.     Matt.  x.  42. 

To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of 
the  tree  of  life,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  para- 
dise of  God.     Rev.  ii.  7. 

He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered 
him  up  for  us  all,  how  shall  he  not  with  him  also 
freely  give  us  all  things?     Rom.  viii.  32. 

If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God, 
that  giveth  to  ail  men  liberally,  and  upbraideth  not , 
and  it  shall  be  given  him.     Jas.  i.  5. 


RECEIVING. 

If  earthly  gifts  my  thankfulness  command, 
Much  more  the  gifts  of  an  Almighty  hand 
Should  move  me  to  receive  in  thankful  mood, 
And  fill  my  60ul  with  love  and  gratitude. 

If  we  thought  less  of  the  things  we  desire,  and  more  of 
the  things  we  have  already  received  of  God,  we  should  be 
doubly  thankful. 

Shall  we  receive  good  at  the  hand  of  God,  and 
shall  we  not  receive  evil  ?     Job  ii.  10. 

He  that  wavereth  is  like  a  wave  of  the  sea, 
driven  with  the  wind  and  tossed.  For  let  not  that 
man  think  that  he  shall  receive  any  thing  of  the 
Lord.     Jas.  i.  6,  7. 

Receive  not  the  grace  of  God  in  vain.  2  Cc~. 
vi.  1. 

When  the  Chief  Shepherd  shall  appear,  ye 
6hall  receive  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away. 
I  Pet.  v.  4 


33  HELPS    FOR   EVERY   HOUR. 


EATING. 


Does  He  who  formed  me  feed  me  ?  guide  my  ways? 
And  give  me  health,  and  strength,  and  length  of  days? 
Let  His,  then,  be  my  heart,  whate'er  befall, 
My  life,  my  soul,  my  energies,  my  all ! 

My  food  is  a  blessing  ;  but  if  I  use  the  strength  it  givet 
re  to  do  evil,  I  make  it  a  curse. 

And  the  Lord  God  commanded  tjie  man,  say- 
ing, Of  every  tree  of  the  garden  thou  may  est  freely 
eat :  but  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and 
evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it ;  for  in  the  day  that 
thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die.  Gen.  ii. 
16,  17. 

The  meek  shall  eat  and  be  satisfied.  Ps.  xxiL 
26. 

Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every 
word  of  God.  Luke  iv.  4. 

Whether  therefore  ye  eat,  or  drink,  or  what- 
soever ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God.  1  Cor. 
x.  31. 


DRINKING. 

Be  on  thy  guard  !  be  temperate  !  Alas  ! 
A  fiery  serpent  lurks  within  the  glass  : 
Its  subtle  poison  may  afiect  thy  breath, 
And  haply  bring  thee  to  eternal  death. 

The  drunkard  commits  himself  to  the  guidance  of  folly 
and  sin,  and  "  puts  an  enemy  into  his  mouth  to  steal  away 
his  brains." 

Awake,  ye  drunkards,  and  weep.     Joel  i.  5. 
Look  not  thou  upon  the  wine  when  it  is  red, 
when  it  giveth  his  colour  in  the  cup,  when  it 


HELPS  FOR  EVERT  HOUR.  23 

moveth  itself  arignt.  At  the  last  it  biteth  like  a 
serpent,  and  stingeth  like  an  adder.  Thine  eyes 
shall  behold  strange  women,  and  thy  heart  shall 
utter  perverse  things.  Yea,  thou  shalt  be  as  he 
that  lieth  down  in  the  midst  of  the  sea,  or  as  he 
that  lieth  upon  the  top  of  a  mast.  They  have 
stricken  me,  shalt  thou  say,  and  I  was  not  sick  ; 
they  have  beaten  me,  and  I  felt  it  not:  when  shall 
I  awake  ?  I  will  seek  it  yet  again.  Prov.  xxiii. 
31,  32,  33,  34,  35. 


HOPING. 


Hope,  heavenly  hope,  supports  us  every  hour, 
And  leads  us  on  with  heart-sustaining  power  ; 
Smiies  brightest  far  when  earthly  ills  arise, 
And  waves  her  wings,  and  bears  us  to  the  skies. 

While  despondency  prompts  the  Christian  soldier  to  lay 
down  his  arms,  hope  animates  his  heart,  and  leads  him  on 
to  victory. 

The  hypocrite's  hope  shall  perish.   Job  viii.  13 

Happy  is  he  that  hath  the  God  of  Jacob  for  his 
help,  whose  hope  is  in  the  Lord  his  God.  Ps. 
cxlvi.  5. 

Now  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself,  and  God, 
even  our  Father,  which  hath  loved  us,  and  hath 
given  us  everlasting  consolation  and  good  hope 
through  grace,  comfort  your  hearts,  and  establish 
you  in  every  good  word  and  work.  2  Thess.  ii. 
16,  17. 

Which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul, 
both  sure  and  steadfast,  and  which  entereth  into 
that  within  the  veil.     Heb.  vi.  19. 


24  HELPS    FOR    EVERT    JK  UR. 


FEARING. 

Amidst  the  storm  and  tempest,  flood  and  flame. 
Who  fear  the  Lord,  and  praise  his  noly  name, 
Whatever  ills  betide,  are  yet  secure, 
And  shall  through  countless  ages  still  endure. 

One  half  the  things  that  fright  us  are  but  shadows.  Let 
the  fear  of  the  Lord  secure  thee  from  all  worldly,  slavish  fear. 

The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  with  them  that  fear 
him ;  and  he  will  show  them  his  covenant.  Ps.  xxv. 
14. 

In  every  nation  he  that  feareth  him, and  worketh 
righteousness,  is  accepted  with  him.  Acts  x.  35, 

Oh  how  great  is  thy  goodness,  which  thou  hast 
laid  up  for  them  that  fear  thee.     Ps.  xxxi.  19. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  tendeth  to  life,  and  he  that 
hath  it  shall  abide  satisfied  :  he  shall  not  be  visited 
with  evil.     Prov.  xix.  23. 


DOUBTING. 

Doubt  if  thou  wilt  the  golden  sun  that  glows — 
The  promises  that  this  fair  world  bestows, 
With  all  that  youth,  and  health,  and  wealth  afford; 
But  never,  for  one  moment,  doubt  the  Lord. 

Doubt  eclipses  the  brightness  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness, 
while  faith  exhibits  him  in  all  his  glory. 

An  excellent  spirit,  and  knowledge,  and  under- 
standing, interpreting  of  dreams,  and  showing  of 
hard  sentences,  and  dissolving  of  doubts,  were 
found  in  the  same  Daniel,  whom  the  king  called 
Belteshazzar.     Ban.  v.  12. 

Jesus  stretched  forth  his  hand,  and  caught  him, 
and  said  unto  him,  O  thou  of  little  faith,  wherefore 
didst  thou  doubt  ?     Malt,  xi     31. 


HELPS    FOR    EVERY     HOUR.  25 

Neither  be  ye  of  doubtful  mind.    Luke  xii.  29 
Yea  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss 

for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ 

Jesus  my  Lord.     Phil.  iii.  8. 


TRUSTING. 

Trust  in  a  prince — he  from  his  word  may  fly; 
Trust  in  a  friend — the  dearest  friend  will  die  ; 
Trust  thine  own  heart — 'tis  faithless,  insecure; 
But  trust  in  God,  and  then  thou  shalt  endure. 

Build  thy  hopes  on  the  shifting  sand,  and  they  shall  fall ; 
erect  them  on  the  Rock  of  Ages,  and  the  tempes:s  shall  vvat 
against  them  in  vain. 

Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good  ;  so  shalt  thou 
dwell  in  the  land,  and  verily  thou  shalt  be  fed. 
Ps.  xxxvii.  3. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord, 
and  whose  hope  the  Lord  is.  For  he  shall  be  as 
a  tree  planted  by  the  waters,  and  that  spreadeth 
out  her  roots  by  the  river,  and  shall  not  see  when 
heat  cometh,  but  her  leaf  shall  be  green  ;  and  shall 
not  be  careful  in  the  year  of  drought,  neither  shai^ 
cease  from  yielding  fruit.     Jer.  xvii.  7,  8. 


ENDURING. 

Whate'er  be  mine  of  trial,  grief,  and  pain, 
Teach  me,  O  Lord,  with  calmness  to  sus'ain  ; 
How  meekly  should  I  bear  them  when  I  see 
What  thou  hast  borne  upon  the  cross  for  me,!' 

Remember,  Christian,  that  God  knows  bo'h  thy  strength 
and  thy  weakness,  and  be  assured  that  he  will  lay  on  theo 
no  heavier  burden  than  thou  art  able  to  bear. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation  :  for 
when  he  is  tried,  he  shall  receive  the  crown  of  life, 
3 


26  HELPS  FOR  ETERY  HOUR. 

which  Lie  Lord  hath  promised  to  them  that  love 
him      Jas.  i.  12. 

Vv'eoping  may  endure  for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh 
in  the  morning-.     Ps.  xxx.  5. 

His  name  shall  endure  forever:  his  name  shall 
be  continued  as  long  as  the  sun  :  and  men  shall  be 
blessed  in  him :  all  nations  shall  call  him  blessed. 
Ps.  lxxii.  17. 

He  that  endureth  to  the  end  shall  be  saved. 
Matt.  x.  22. 


ENJOYING 


Remember,  while  thy  pulse  is  beating  fast 
With  joy,  that  sinful  pleasures  cannot  last. 
Though  much  of  worldly  bliss  may  here  be  given, 
This  earth  will  pass  away, — look  on  to  heaven! 

Sad  are  the  joys  of  to-day,  if  they  bring  affliction  to- 
morrow;  and  fearful  are  the  pleasures  of  earth,  if  they  rob 
us  of  the  happiness  of  heaven. 

By  faith  Moses,  when  he  was  come  to  years,  re- 
fused to  be  called  the  son  of  Pharaoh's  daughter : 
choosing  rather  to  suffer  affliction  w'tfc  the  people 
of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin  for  a 
season;  esteeming  the  reproach  of  Christ  greater 
friches  than  the  treasures  in  Egypt.  Heb.  xi.  24 — 
26. 

I  said  in  mine  heart,  Go  to  now,  I  will  prove 
thee  with  mirth,  therefore  enjoy  pleasure  :  and,  be 
hold,  this  also  is  vanity.     Eccles.  ii.  1. 

Charge  them  that  are  rich  in  this  world,  that 
>hey  be  not  high-iainded,  nor  trust  in  uncertain 
riches,  but  in  the  li  ang  God,  who  giveth  us  richly 
.all  things  tc  enjoy.     1  Tim.  vi.  17. 


HELPS    FOl    EVERY    HOUR 


LEARNING. 


Whate'er  I  learn  from  fellow-  sinners  t  ound, 
While  hopes  and  fears,  and  joys  and  griefs  abound, 
Kindness,  and  love,  and  meek  humility, 
My  Lord  and  Saviour,  I  would  learn  of  thee 

The  little  we  have  learned  compared  with  what  we  knc* 
not,  is  about  as  much  as  the  drop  is  to  the  ocean. 

Moses  was  learned  in  ail  the  wisdom  of  the 
Egyptians,  and  was  mighty  in  words  and  in  deeds. 
jfch  vii.  22. 

A  wise  man  will  hear, and  will  increase  learning; 
and  a  man  of  understanding  shall  attain  unto  wise 
counsels.     Prov.  i.  5. 

Whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime  were 
written  for  oar  learning,  that  we  through  patience 
and  comfort  of  the  Scriptures  might  have  hope. 
Rom.  xv.  4. 

But  continue  thou  in  the  things  which  thou  hast 
learned.    From  a  child  thou  hast  known  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  untp 
salvation  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesas 
2  Tim.  iii.  14,  15. 


TEACHING. 

Am  I  a  teacher  ?     Need  have  I  to  pray 

For  heavenly  light  to  guide  me  on  my  way: 

Instruct  me  in  the  wisdom  of  thy  word, 

My  Guide,  my  Friend,  my  Teacher,  and  my  Lord! 

He  who  learns  of  man  may  be  wise  for  time ;  but  he 
whom  God  teaches  is  taught  for  eternity. 

Thou  therefore  which  teachest  another,  teachest 
»hou  not  thyself?     Rom.  ii.  21. 


S8  HELPS  FOR  EVKR^  HOUR. 

F  jr  the  grace  of  God  that  bringeth  salvation 
hath  appeared  to  all  men,  teaching  us  that,  deny- 
ing ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live 
soberl}',  righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  present 
world  ;  looking  for  that  blessed  hope,  and  the  glo- 
rious appearing  of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.      Tit.  ii.  11—13. 

Teach  me  to  do  thy  will ;  for  thou  art  my  God. 
Ps.  cxliii.  10. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  chastenest,  O 
Lord,  and  teaches/;  him  out  of  thy  law.  Ps.  xciv. 
12. 


REPROVING. 

Reprove  with  meekness  and  in  accents  mild, 
For  thou  thyself  art  error's  erring  child; 
But  should  thy  heart  in  sinful  pathways  roam, 
Like  a  strong  archer  drive  thine  arrow  home. 

Did  we  reprove  others  as  we  would  be  reproved  ourselves, 
anger  and  bitterness  would  be  unknown  in  our  corrections. 

Let  the  righteous  smite  me  ;  it  shall  be  a  kind- 
ness :  and  let  him  reprove  me ;  it  shall  be  an  excel- 
lent oil,  which  shall  not  break  my  head.  Ps. 
cxli.  5. 

A  reproof  entereth  more  into  a  wise  man  than 
an  hundred  stripes  into  a  fool.     Prov.  xvii.  10. 

All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God, 
and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  cor- 
rection, for  instruction  in  righteousness  ;  that  the 
man  of  God  may  be  throughly  furnished  unto  ail 
good  works.     2  Tim.  iii.  16,  17 


HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR.  29 

PRAISING. 

In  praising  man  thy  tongue  should  cautious  be; 
In  praising  God  thy  spirit  should  be  free  : 
Not  all  the  sounds  that  earthly  tongues  can  raise, 
Can  tell  his  love,  or  half  express  his  praise. 

» 
There  are  few  things  that  do  the  heart  more  good,  or 
raise  the  spirit  nearer  to  heaven,  than  a  hearty  hallelujah  ! 

I  will  praise  the  name  of  God  with  a  song,  and 
will  magnify  him  with  thanksgiving.  Ps.  Ixix.  30, 

It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord, 
and  to  sing  praises  unto  thy  name,  O  Most  High. 
To  show  forth  thy  loving  kindness  in  the  morning, 
and  thy  faithfulness  every  night.     Ps.  xcii.  1,  2. 

Show  forth  the  praises  of  him  who  hath  called 
you  out  of  darkness  into  his  marvellous  light.  1  Pet, 
iu  9. 


SORROWING. 

As  falling  showers  refresh  the  thirsty  ground, 
So  tears  are,  oftentimes,  a  comfort  found : 
Who  sorrows  for  his  sins,  his  wo  shall  cease, 
For  godly  sorrows  are  the  seeds  of  peace. 

It  is  a  question  whether  we  have  not  still  more  reason  tc 
thank  God  for  our  sorrows  than  for  our  joys. 

Happy  is  the  man  whom  God  correcteth  :  there- 
for* despise  not  thou  the  chastening  of  the  Al- 
mighty.    Job  v.  17. 

1  know,  O  Lord,  that  thy  judgments  are  right, 
and  that  thou  in  faithfulness  hast  afflicted  me.  Ps. 
cxix.  75. 

Your  sorrow  shall  be  turned  into  joy  John  xvi. 
20. 

And  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sor- 
row, nor  crying,  neither  shall  there  be  any  more 
pain.     Rev.  xxi.  4. 

3* 


50  HELPS    FOR    EVERY    HOUR. 


REJOICING. 


And  do  ti.ine  hours  and  days  in  gladness  roll, 
And  beams  of  sunshine  brighten  up  thy  soul  ? 
Then  praise  the  Lord  thy  God  with  heart  and  voice: 
Rejoice  alou^d  ! — Again  I  say,  Rejoice  ! 

Fall  not  into  evil  in  the  season  of  rejoicing,  as  the  exulting 
fly  falls  heedlessly  into  the.  web  of  the  spider. 

O  come,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord  ;  let  us  make 
a  joyful  noise  to  the  rock  of  our  salvation.  Ps. 
xcv.  1. 

The  righteous  shall  be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and 
shall  trust  in  him  ;  and  all  the  upright  in  heart 
shall  glory.     Ps.  Ixiv.  10. 

Rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  Rom.  v.  2. 

Whom  having  not  seen,  ye  love :  in  whom, 
though  now  ye  see  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye  re- 
joice with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 
1  Pet.  i.  8. 


COMMANDING. 

O  God  of  mercy  my  director  be, 
"While  others  I  command,  command  thou  me, 
And  guide  me  still,  by  thine  Almighty  power, 
Through  all  my  days  and  every  passing  hour 

He  may  fearlessly  go  forward  who  has  God  ror  liia 
commander. 

The  first  of  all  the  commandments  is,  Hear,  O 
Israel;  the  Lord  our  God  is  one  Lord  :  and  thou 
shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart, 
and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind,  and 
with  all  thy  strength.     Mark  xii.  29,  80. 

Be  strong  and  of  a  good  courage,  fear  not,  nor 
be  afraid  :  for  the  Lord  thy  God,  he  it  is  that  doth 
go  with  thee  :  he  will  no.  fail  thee,  nor  forsake 
thee.     Dtut.  xxxi.  6. 


HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR.  3l 

Fear  God,  and  keep  his  commandments  :  for  this 
is  the  whole  duty  of  man.     Eccles.  xii.  13. 

A  new  commandment  I  give  unto  you,  That  ye 
love  one  another.     John  xiii.  34. 


OBEYING. 


Obey  not  sin,  though  soft  its  whispers  fall 
Or  lo^ud  and  long  its  urgent  accents  call ; 
Despise  its  joys — resist  its  dread  control — 
Obey  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  soul. 

He  who  obeys  sin  willingly,  will  soon  be  obliged  to  obe> 
i  on  compulsion. 

And  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  he  hum- 
bled himself,  and  became  obedient  unto  death,  even 
the  death  of  the  cross.  Wherefore  God  also  hath 
highly  exalted  him,  and  given  him  a  name  which 
is  above  every  name.     Phil.  ii.  8,  9. 

To  obey  is  better  than  sacrifice.    1  Sam.  xv.  22. 

What  shall  the  end  be  of  them  that  obey  not  the 
gospel  of  God  ?      1  Pet.  iv.  17. 

Obey  my  voice,  and  I  will  be  your  God,  and  you 
shall  be  my  people  :  and  walk  ye  in  all  the  ways 
that  I  have  commanded  you,  that  it  may  be  well 
unto  you.     Jer.  vii.  23. 


POSSESSING. 

Hold  lightly  what  thou  has; — 'tis  but  a  name ; 
Fnr  al)  this  world  can  give  of  wealth  or  lame, 
Though  thine  to  day,  to-morrow  may  be  riven. 
No  rock  but  Christ  ! — no  resting  place  but  heaven. 

The  most  valuable  possession  in  this  world  is  a  well-founded 
hope  and  confidence  as  to  the  world  that  is  to  come. 

I  am  made  to  possess  months  of  vanity,  and 
wearisome  nights  are  appointed  to  me.  Job  v>*i.  3. 


32  HELPS    FOR   EVERY    HC  JR. 

The  upright  shall  have  gocd  things  hi  posies* 
sion.     Prov.  xiviii.  10. 

Take  heed,  and  beware  of  covetousness  ;  for 
a  man's  life  consisteth  not  in  the  abundance  of  the 
things  which  he  possesseth.      Lvke  xii.  15. 

As  sorrowful,  yet  always  rejoicing  ;  as  poor,  yet 
making  many  rich  ;  as  having  nothing,  and  yet 
possessing  all  things.     2  Cor.  vi.  10. 


RESIGNING. 

'Tis  easy  to  rejoice  when  sunbeams  shine, 

But  God  alone  can  teach  us  to  resign. 

Lord,  teach  me  still,  whate'er  thy  hand  may  claim 

And  take  away,  to  bless  thy  holy  name. 

We  ought  cheerfully  to  resign  our  friends  when  God  re- 
quires them  ;  for  when  he  calls  his  children  home,  it  is  a  proof 
of  love,  and  not  of  anger. 

Humble  yourselves  under  the  -mighty  hand 
of  God,  that   he   may  exalt  you   in    due    time. 

1  Pet.  v.  6. 

And  Job  said,  Naked  came  I  out  of  my  mother's 
womb,  and  naked  shall  I  return  thither:  the  Lord 
gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  ;  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  In  all  this  Job  sinnrd  not, 
nor  charged  God  foolishly.    Job  i.  21,  22. 

Cast  not  away  therefore  your  confidence,  which 
hath  great  recompense  of  reward.     Heb.  x.  85. 

Let  the  Lord  do  that  which  seemeth  him  good 

2  Sam.  x.  12. 


HELPS    FOR   EVERY    HOUR.  33 


KNOWING. 

Do  T  possess,  while  knowledge  freely  flings 
A  ray  of  golden  light  o'er  men  and  tilings, 
The  only  cure  for  worldly  cares  and  strife  ? 
And  know  Him  whom  to  know  is  endless  life  ? 

1  (he  knowledge  that  refers  to  time  be  so  valuable  ;  how 
oug  it  we  to  estimate  that  whch  relates  to  eternity. 

Let  not  thy  left  hand  know  what  thy  right  hand 
doeth.     Matt.  vi.  3. 

Lord,  rmke  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the  mea- 
sure of  my  days,  what  it  is,  that  I  may  know  how 
frail  I  am.     Ps.  xxxix.  4. 

I  am  the  good  shepherd,  and  know  my  sheep,  and 
am  known  of  mine.  As  the  Father  knoweth  me, 
even  so  know  I  the  Father;  and  I  lay  down  my  life 
for  the  sheep.     John  x.  14,  15. 

He  that  loveth  not,  knoweth  not  God  ;  for  God 
is  love.     1  John  i\\  8. 


WATCHING. 

Oh  let  me,  Lord,  while  sin  is  prowling  round, 
In  humble,  patient  watchfulness  be  found — 
That  I  may  'scape  its  snares  ;  and  teach  me  still 
How  I  can  best  perform  thy  holy  will. 

Wa'ch  narrowly  thy  thoughts,  thy  words,  and  thy  deeds, 
for  they  go  together  in  good  or  in  evil. 

Blessed  are  those  servants,  vhom  the  Lord  when 
he  cometh  shall  find  watching:  verily  I  say  unto 
you,  that  he  shall  gird  himself,  and  make  them  to 
6 it  down  to  meat,  and  will  come  forth  and  serve 
{hem.     Ijukz  xii.  37. 

Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temp- 
Slion.     Malt.  xxvi.  41. 


34  HELPS  FOR  EVERY  HOUR. 

Except  the  Lord  build  the  house,  th«y  labour  in 
vain  that  build  it :  except  the  Lord  keep  the  city, 
the  watchman  waketh  but  in  vain.    Ps.  cxxvii.  i. 


WAITING. 

Be  mine  with  hope  and  confidence  to  wait 
A  patient  suppliant  at  the  heavenly  gate; 
And  soon  in  love  my  Saviour  will  arise, 
A  waiting  sinner  he  will  ne'er  despise. 

If  we  have  wailed  for  trifles,  how  patiently  should  we  wait 
for  God's  commands,  God's  presence,  and  God's  blessing. 

Wait  on  the  Lord :  be  of  good  courage,  and  he 
shall  strengthen  thy  heart ;  wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord. 
Ps.  xxvii.  14. 

Those  that  wait  upon  the  Lord,  they  shall  inherit 
the  earth.     Ps.  xxxvii.  9. 

So  that  ye  come  behind  in  no  gift;  waiting  for 
the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  who  shall 
also  confirm  you  unto  the  end,  that  ye  may  be 
blameless  in  the  day  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
1  Cor.  i.  7,  8. 

All  the  days  of  my  appointed  time  will  I  wait 
till  my  change  come.     Job  xiv.  14* 


SINNING. 


What,  art  thou  burden'd  ?     Dost  thou  feel  within 
The  plague-spot  and  the  leprosy  of  sin? 
Christ  is  a  fountain!     To  that  fountain  go — ■ 
Though  crimson  red,  thou  shalt  be  white  as  snow. 

If  you  make  sin  a  companion,  it  will  soon  make  you  a 
slave. 

The  vages  of  sin  is  dea'h ;  but  the  gift  of  Cfbd 
is  eternal  life  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
lion*   vi.  23. 


HELPS    FtfR   EVERY    HOUR.  35 

These  things  I  write  unto  you,  that  ye  sin  not 
And  if  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with  the 
Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous  :  and  he  is  the 
propitiation  for  our  sins :  and  not  for  ours  only, 
but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world.  1  John 
ii.  1,2. 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  ac- 
ceptation, that  Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to 
save  sinners.     1  Tim.  i.  15. 


REPENTING. 

If  God  in  love  his  chast'ning  griefs  hath  sent 
To  scourge  thy  heart,  and  given  thee  to  repent; 
A  pardoned  child — fear  not  the  world's  alarms, 
But  seek  for  safety  in  thy  Father's  arms. 

As  oil  and  balm  to  the  wounded  body,  so  is  repentance  to 
£  sin-sick  soul. 

If  the  wicked  turn  from  his  wickedness  and  do 
that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  shall  live  thereby. 
^zek.  xxxiii.  19. 

Rend  your  heart,  and  not  your  garments,  and 
curn  unto  the  Lord  your  God :  for  he  is  gracious 
and  merciful,  slow  to  anger, and  of  great  kindness, 
and  repenteth  him  of  the  evil.     Joel  ii.  13 


LIVING. 


My  length  of  days,  O  Lord,  wha'e'er  it  be, 
With  all  my  joys  and  griefs  I  leave  to  thee, 
But  let  me  live  that  I  may  welcome  death, 
And  praise  my  Saviour  with  my  dying  breath. 

To  live  without  knowing  that  Christ  died  for  sinners  is  to 
live  in  vain. 

As  truly  as  I  live,  all  the  earth  shall  be  filed 
with  the  gbry  of  the  Lori.     Numb   xiv.  21. 


1(5  HKLPS  FOR  EVERT  HOUR. 

Whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  me  shall  ncei 
die.     John  xi.  2:5. 

Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me  :  hear,  and 
your  soul  shall  live.      ha.  lv.  3. 

And  he  died  for  all,  that  they  which  live  should 
not  henceforth  live  unto  themselves,  but  unto  him 
vhich  died  for  them,  and  rose  again.  2  Cor.  v  15 


DYING. 


If  when  we  die,  from  earthly  fetters  freed, 
We  sink,  in  torment,  death  is  death  indeed  ! 
But  if  where  saints  and  angels  dwell  we  soar, 
Then  death  is  life,  and  life  for  evermore  ! 

To  die  is,  to  the  follower  of  the  Redeemer,  to  exchange 
Borrow  for  joy,  time  for  eternity,  and  earth  for  heaven. 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil :  for  thou  art 
with  me ;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they  comfort  me. 
Ps.  xxiii.  4. 

The  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death.  Prov. 
xiv.  82. 

I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  per- 
suaded that  lie  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  hnve 
committed  unto  him  against  that  day.  2  Tim,  i.  12 

The  sting  of  death  is  sin  ;  and  the  strength  of 
gin  is  the  Law.  But  thanks  be  to  God  which  giveth 
us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
I  Cor.  xv  56,  57. 

THE    END. 


Wijt  Ungrateful  §05, 


THE 


UNGRATEFUL  BOY. 


WRITTEN  FOR  THE  AMERICAN    SUNDAY-SCHOOL    CHIOS,    Altt 
REVISED    BY  THE   COMMITTEE   OF   PUBLICATION. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
AMERICAN  SUNDAY-SCHOOL  UNION, 

NO.  1122   CEE8TNUT    STRBETi 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  In  the  year  1845,  by 
Herman  Cope,  Treasurer,  in  trust  for  the  American  Sunday- 
■chool  Union,  in  the  clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  th« 
Eastern  D;«trct  of  Pennsylvania. 


TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  FRENCH 


THE 


UNGRATEFUL  BOY 


A  kind  schoolmaster,  who  was  in 
the  habit  of  relating  stories  to  his 
pupils,  one  day  called  his  scholars 
around  him,  and  began  as  follows : — 

I  am  going,  my  dear  children,  to 

relate    to    you    a    singular    history. 

May  I  expect  your  careful  attention 

to  the  close  of  it  ? 

1*  5 


6  TflE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY. 

Pi&ture  to  yourself  a  little  boy 
sitting  in  a  balcony  or  portico,  which 
overlooks  a  garden.  His  hands  and 
feet  are  bound,  ne  has  a  bandage 
upon  his  eyes,  while  another  covers 
his  mouth  and  nose.  His  ears,  too, 
are  closely  stopped,  so  that  he  cannot 
use  his  feet  or  hands;  neither  can  he 
see,  or  speak,  or  hear. 

At  the  same  time,  his  brothers  and 
sisters,  and  their  companions,  are  en- 
joying themselves  in  the  garden  be- 
neath, laughing,  playing,  and  eating 
fruit.  Henry  (for  this  was  the  name 
of  the  little  boy  who  was  deprived  of 
all  these  pleasures)  tried  many  times 
to   break   the    cords    and    bandages 


THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY.  7 

which  confined  him,  but  his  efforts 
were  vain. 

I  inquired  why  this  child  was 
bound.  At  first  nobody  could  tell  me, 
but  a  person  afterwards  informed  me, 
that  Henry's  father  had  reminded 
him,  the  evening  before,  to  thank 
God  for  all  his  gifts,  and  that  Henry 
had  replied  very  carelessly,  that  God 
had  not  done  very  much  for  him. 
This  remark  grieved  his  father,  who, 
without  reproaching  him  at  the  time, 
bade  him  good  night,  and  sent  him  to 
bed. 

The  next  morning,  before  he  had 
risen,  his  father  directed  that  he 
should  be   placed  upon  the  balcony, 


8     .         THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY. 

bound  as  I  have  before  described 
Henry  was  still  struggling  to  free 
himself  from  his  bands,  when  his 
father,  after  a  time,  sent  a  servant  to 
untie  the  bandage  which  covered  his 
mouth.  Oh,  if  you.  had  heard  what 
cries  Henry  uttered  when  the  ban- 
dage was  taken  from  his  mouth ! 

"  Fattier  !  mother !  Mother  !  fa- 
ther !"  he  exclaimed.  Nobody  re- 
plied : — Henry  continued,  "  I  cannot 
move  !  I  cannot  open  my  eyes  !  I 
cannot  hear !  Father,  father !  I  am 
hungry  : — I  am  very  hungry !  It  is 
more  than  an  hour  since  I  tried  to 
call  to  you,  and  I  could  not  speak  ! 
I  wanted  breakfast,  and  I  could  not 


THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY.  9 

open  my  mouth  !  It  is  too  bad  :  I 
was  not  able  to  speak.  The  words 
were  in  my  throat,  and  I  wished  to 
utter  them ;  the  bandage  hindered, 
me,  father !" 

He  was  still  crying,  when  his  father 
came  to  remove  the  covering  from 
his  ears. 

Well,  Henry,"  said  he,.  "  why 
nave  you  called  me  so  often  and  so 
loudly;  I  have  answered  you  three 
or  four  times  that  I  was  coming." 

"  Why,  father,  I  could  not  hear 
you.  My  eyes  were  shut.  It  seem- 
ed as  if  I  was  far  away  in  a  desert,  in 
the  middle  of  the  night.  I  heard  no 
voice,    nor    an^r  sound.      Oh,    how 


10  THE    UNGRATEFUL   BOY.      . 

dreadful  it  is,  not  to  be  able  to  hear 
Oh,  1  do  not  wish  to  be  deaf.     I  be- 
seech you,  dear  father,  do  not  make 
me  deaf  as  I  have  been  for  the  last 
hour." 

As  Henry  was  hungry  they  gave 
him  his  breakfast,  but  without  un- 
binding his  hands  or  feet.  They 
made  him  eat  as  if  he  were  an  infant, 
who  takes  its  bread  and  milk  from  a 
-spoon  in  its  mother's  hand. 

Henry  still  complained  of  his 
closed  eyes,  and  bound  limbs,  but  as 
*he  had  an  appetite,  he  commenced 
eating  his  bread  and  milk,  and 
finished  by  complaining,  and  praying 
that  his  father  would  let  him  see. 


THE  UNGRATEFUL  BOY.     11 

"Do  you  wish  to  have  your  ears 
stopped  again  V' 

"  Oh  no,  father !  It  is  so  bad  to 
hear  nothing :  neither  the  voice 
of  friends,  nor  the  singing  of  the 
birds,  nor  any  noise.  I  would  have 
given  all  the  world,  if  it  had  been 
mine,  for  the  pleasure  of  hearing  a 
footstep.  If  the  wind  had  only 
sounded  a  little  in  my  ears ;  but  not 
a  leaf  stirred,  that  I  could  hear. 
Dear  father,  I  beg  you  to  let  me 
hear  a  little  noise,  and  some  con- 
versation." 

11  Will  you  have  your  mouth  closed 
again  ?" 

11  No  :   that  is  still  worse,  not  to 


12  THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY. 

be  able  to  speak !  Oh,  do  you  not 
know  that  would  be  much  worse.  I 
was  hungry,  and  I  could  not  call.  I 
could  not  open  my  mouth.  I  wanted 
to  tell  you  that  I  was  suffering,  and  1 
had  not  the  power  ;  I  must  have 
power  to  speak." 

Here  the  conversation  was  inter- 
rupted by  the  noise  of  the  brothers 
and  sisters  of  Henry  playing,  laugh- 
ing and  running  about  in  the  garden. 

"  Let  us  play  ball,"  cried  one. 

"  Oh,  see  me  fly  my  kite,"  cried 
another. 

"  We  will  go  and  send  up  my  bal- 
loon, said  a  third,  "come  and  see 
it — put   a   little    straw   here   in   the 


THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY.  18 

middle — bring  the  watering  pot : — 
Here,  Paul,  you  put  a  little  water  on 
the  straw. — That's  it ;  now  put  some 
coals  there.  See  what  a  smoke  it 
makes  !  How  it  swells  the  balloon  ! 
How  very  pretty  it  is !  See,  see  the 
gilt  pictures  on  the  paper — cut  the 
cord — there  it  goes  !  look  at  it — hur- 
rah !  It  burns  !  It  is  going  to  set  the 
clouds  on  fire  !"  and  off  the  joyous 
band  ran  with  shouts  of  laughter. 

Henry,  who  had  his  eyes  still 
bound,  saw  nothing. 

"  Oh,  dear  lather !"     he   said,   at 

last,  "  I  will  remain  tied  to  my  chair, 

if  you  require  it,   but  at  least  take 

away  the  bandage  which  covers  my 
2 


14  THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY. 

eyes,  that  I  may  see  the  balloon,  and 
all  that  goes  on  in  the  garden."  His 
father  consented,  and  the  band  was 
raised.  But,  alas  !  the  paper  balloon 
had  burned  to  ashes,  and  Henry 
could  not  see  it. 

Just  then  a  little  girl  came  from 
the  garden,  to  present  to  her  father 
the  prettiest  bouquet  that  it  was  pos- 
sible to  see,  or  to  smell.  Roses, 
pinks,  jessamines,  lilacs,  violets,  all 
were  united,  and  together  sent  forth 
the  sweetest  fragrance. 

"  Oh,  how  good  they  are,"  said  his 
father;  "  smell  them,  Henry." 

"  But,  father,  I  cannot  smell  any 
thing,"    said    Henry,    in  a  whimper 


THE    UNGRATEFUL    E0Y.  15 

"  Oh,  that  beautiful  rose  !  do,  father, 
take  just  this  one  bandage  away,  and 
let  me  smell  of  it." 

The  bandage  which  covered  his 
nose  was  taken  off;  and  then  the  little 
boy,  still  tied  in  his  chair,  was  left  to 
himself.  His  father  and  sister  went 
down  into  the  garden.  As  soon  as 
he  came*  among  the  troop  of  children, 
he  was  received  with  cries  of  joy, 
"  Father,"  said  one  to  him,  "  come 
and  play  with*  us.  O  father,  do  play 
with  us  !" 

And  the  good  father,  mingling  in 
all  their  pleasures,  jumped  with  some, 
ran  after  others,  laughed  with  all, — 
in  a  word,  he  became  as  one  }f  them. 


16  THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY. 

Henry,  animated  and  excited  by  the 
sight  of  all  these  plays,  twisted  impa 
tiently  upon  his  chair.  It  must  b« 
admitted,  tbat  to  have  two  sound  feet, 
and  not  be  able  to  walk,  and  two 
sound  arms,  and  not  have  power  to 
feel,  and  this,  in  the  presence  of  a 
band  of  playful  children,  who  can 
run,  and  leap,  and  do  all  they  wish,  is 
rather  a  hard  thing  to  be  endured. 

Henry  wished  to  ask  his  father, 
why  he  had  treated  him  thus ;  but  it 
was  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  his 
questions,  that  his  father,  left  him. 
He  was  therefore  compelled  to  re- 
main there,  and  to  witness,  at  a  dis- 
tance, the  pleasures  of  which  he  so 


THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY.  17 

muck  desired  to  partake.  But,  at 
last,  the  father  sent  to  have  his  son 
released,  and  to  tell  him  to  come 
down  into  the  garden,  and  there  as- 
sembling all  the  children  about  him, 
he  began  as  follows  : 

"  My  dear  children, — This  morn- 
ing, you  have  all  asked  me,  in  turn, 
why  I  have  deprived  your  brother  of 
the  pleasure  of  playing  with  you.  I 
will  now  answer  you.  Henry  has 
not  asked  me  the  same  question,  but 
I  presume  he  is  not  less  desirous  than 
you  are  to  hear  what  I  have  to  say. 
Let  him,  then,  as  well  as  the  rest  of 
you,  listen   to  an  explanation,  which 

will  of  course  interest  him  the  most. 

2* 


18  THE   UNGRATEFUL  BOY. 

"Yesterday  evening  I  told  Henry 
to  remember  to  return  thanks  to  God 
for  all  the  benefits  he  had  received. 
Henry,  who  did  not  feel  inclined  to 
such  a  duty,  replied,  that  God  had 
not  conferred  many  blessings  upon 
him,  that  he  knew  of.  At  this  reply, 
so  full  of  thoughtlessness  and  in- 
gratitude, I  was  much  grieved;  but 
said  nothing  on  the  subject  at  the 
time,  reserving  my  explanation  till 
the  next  day. 

"  Henry,  and  perhaps  all  of  you,  my 
children,  have  been  so  long  accus- 
tomed to  enjoy  God's  kind  gifts,  that 
they  seem  to  you  as  matters  of  course. 
From  this,   in  part,   proceeds  voui 


THE  UNGRATEFUL  BOY.     19 

ingratitude.  But  I  ask  you,  is  it  a 
small  thing  that  you  possess  the  gift 
of  sight,  which  enables  you  to  see 
all  the  works  of  God,  to  enjoy  the 
light,  and  to  regulate  your  motions, 
and  to  look  upon  the  faces  of  your 
parents  and  friends  ? 

"  Is  it  a  small  thing,  that  you  have 
the  gift  of  speech,  by  which  you 
can  express  your  desires  and  your 
thoughts  ? 

"  The  wonderful  sense  of  hearing, 
also,  which  apprizes  you  of  danger 
when  it  is  near,  by  which  you  can 
enjoy  the  sweet  sound  of  music,  the 
singing  of  the  birds,  the  rustling  of 
.4ie  forest,  and  the  murmuring  of  the 


20         THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY. 

brooks  ,  and  better  than  all,  which 
permits  you  to  hear  the  affectionate 
words  of  your  parents  and  friends 
every  day — is  it  not  a  blessing  ? 

"  Should  we  not  be  thankful  for 
this  curious  sense  of  smell,  too,  with- 
out which  we  might  be  in  danger  of 
eating  the  most  unhealthy,  if  not  the 
most  poisonous  articles  ?  This  sense 
is  not  alone  useful,  but  it  is  agree- 
able ;  for,  by  it,  you  can  smell  the 
flowers  in  the  garden,  the  blossoms 
Dm  the  trees,  and  the  sweet  and 
wholesome  perfume  of  the  summer 
air. 

".And  then  there  are  those  light 
feet  which  carry  you  from  place  to 


THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY.  2\ 

place,  by  which  you  climb  the  moun- 
tains, and  run  down  the  hills.  And 
these  skilful  hands,  too,  for  executing 
every  wish,  gaining  your  livelihood, 
conveying  food  to  your  mouth,  and 
rendering  you  a  thousand  services 
every  day.  Are  all  these  then  of  no 
value  ?  Ask  Henry.  He  will  tell 
you  on  what  consideration  he  would 
consent  to  part  with  only  one  of 
these  gifts.     Let  us  see. 

"  What  shall  I  give  you,  Henry,  in 
exchange  for  your  eyes  1  If  you  will 
let  me  cover  them  again,  I  will  give 
you  sports  in  abundance.  You  shall 
have  my  horse  for  riding  in  the  coun- 
try, or   any  thing   else.      You  have 


i 


22  THE    UNGRATEFUI     BOY. 

only  to  tell  what  you  desire  :  but  you 
shall  lose  your  sight.  Are  you  ready 
to  exchange  ?     Here  is  the  bandage." 

"  No,  no,  father,  I  would  rather 
live  on  bread  and  water,  all  my  life," 
replied  Henry,  trembling  at  the  very 
tnought  of  such  a  misfortune. 

"  Well,  then,  let  me  bind  only 
your  mouth  or  ears." 

But  Henry  earnestly  entreated  his 
father  not  to  bind  him  at  all,  adding, 
"  not  even  for  a  day,  no,  not  even  for 
an  hour ;  I  have  already  suffered 
enough." 

"  My  children,"  replied  the  father. 
"  you  see  now  that  God  has  done 
more,  much  more  for  vou  than  vqu 


THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY.  23 

can  imagine  :  for  it  is  He  D'estows 
sight,  hearing,  smell,  taste  and 
speech.  He  has  given  you  all. 
What  have  we  which  we  have  not 
received  from  Him,  except  a  sinful 
and  ungrateful  heart  ?  And  let  me 
add,  if  you  have  received  all  that 
you  possess,  is  it  not  reasonable  at 
least  that  we  return  thanks  ?  To  re- 
fuse to  do  it,  is  to  be  like  the 
brutes. " 

Henry  quitted  his  place,  threw 
himself  upon  his  father's  neck,  and 
confessed  his  sin.  All  the  joyous 
party  came  into  the  house,  and  there, 
after  supper,  Henry  was  the  first  to 
propose   an    humble   thanksgiving  to 


24 


THE    UNGRATEFUL    BOY. 


God,  for  all  his  gifts,  and  his  father 
has  told  me,  that,  more  than  once,  he 
has  seen  him  on  his  knees,  alone,  in 
his  chamber,  earnestly  engaged  in 
prayer. 


This  BOOK  may  be  kept  out  TWO  WEEKS 
ONLY,  and  is  subject  to  a  fine  of  FIVE 
CENTS  a  day  thereafter.  It  was  taken  out 
on  the  day  indicated  below: 


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1ST 


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